What Do You Really Want, God or Goods?

As we wait on God and lean on Him for the miraculous, we must stop, search the deepest part of our hearts and check our motives. Is it really God we want, or will we simply be satisfied with His goods?

You will recall a time when Jesus miraculously fed 5000 people with five small loaves and two small fish. “They all ate and were satisfied” and there were 12 basketfuls of leftovers (Luke 9:17).

The crowd was so impressed and began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” (John 6:14) They made a move to forcefully make Him their king. In other words, they were prepared to start a revolt against Roman occupation and the religious leaders at the time, to crown Jesus as king. But Jesus slipped out of their view, walked (on water) across the lake to Capernaum to meet His disciples on the other side.

When they searched and eventually found Jesus, they asked “Rabbi, (meaning teacher) when did you get here?” to which Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”  (John 6:26-27).

Jesus knew the motive of the people. They were satisfied with free food. That’s why they wanted to make Him their king. But Jesus was offering them something more than food. He was offering them Himself – The Bread of Life!

By the end of a lengthy conversation with Jesus, when He told them He is the living bread that came from heaven and whoever eats this bread will live forever (John 6:51), they turned back and no longer followed Him (John 6:66). They were satisfied with the food Jesus provided, but not really interested in Jesus himself. How fickle. The day before, He was their King to be, now they want nothing to do with Him. It was never about Him, was it? It was always about them. How selfish.

We have to check our motives to ensure we are not like the crowd that Jesus fed. Are we really satisfied with Jesus, or is it what Jesus provides that motivates us to worship Him? Do we really get Jesus? Do we see Him for who He really is, or are we simply looking for His miracles, His provisions, His protection and ultimately His salvation?

When the crowd left, together with many of Jesus’ disciples, Jesus asked the twelve, “You do not want to leave too, do you?”, and Peter answered, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.” (John 6:69)

Speaking plainly, we all have a measure of selfish tendencies. We don’t often ask, what’s in it for others, we tend to ask what’s in it for me. For many Christians, their relationship with God is “me” centred. Though the object of their worship seems to be God, their primary motivation is the benefit it brings to them. I pray so that He will protect me. I fast so that He will answer me. Me, me, me all the way. It is a “me” centred devotion.    

An example is the rich young ruler, who was faultless in his observance of the law, but when Jesus told him to sell all he had and follow him, his countenance fell, he became very sad and went away because he had great wealth. He chose his wealth instead of Jesus. (Mark 10:17-22). What do we prize more than knowing Jesus? What will we find difficult to give up for the joy of being with Jesus?

Our devotion to God must transcend the earthly benefits we get from our union with Christ. We must always check our motives to make sure we are not just in this for the goods, but in it for God. We must never derive our satisfaction solely from the miracles, breakthroughs and answered prayers. When the miracles don't come or the breakthroughs are delayed, will we still be satisfied? We must derive our satisfaction from knowing Him.

Like John Piper says, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him." If your satisfaction in Him is waning, it’s time to draw near, to catch a glimpse of Him again. To see Him like Isaiah - exalted, seated on His Throne, the train of His robe filling His Temple. In His Royal Courts, in the beauty of His Holiness, in the heavenly realm, in the Spirit. May He be our ultimate desire, our deepest affection and source of ultimate satisfaction. Amen!